Let me stop my Himachal Series in between and take you to the Darshan of Chhatarpur Temple. Shri Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir is popularly known as Chhatarpur Temple. This is the second largest temple complex in India, and is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. It is located at Chhatarpur in South Delhi. Though it is located in Delhi and I also live in Delhi but it is still 45 Kms from my place. We visit this temple every month. It is a good couple of hours drive from my home. The temple was established in 1974, by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who died in 1998. His samadhi shrine lies in the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir within the temple complex. I will discuss also discuss about the Shiv Gauri Nageshwar Mandir later.

View of Chhatarpur Temple from the Parking Area

Beautiful Carved Structures In the Temple

The entire temple complex is spread over 60 acres, which comprises over 20 small and large temples divided in three different complexes.On the main entrance, there is an ancient tree that is covered with holy threads. People tie threads or bangles to this tree with the belief that their wishes would be fulfilled.

The Ancient Holy Tree

After this one moves to the shrine of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi which further leads to the Ram Darbar Complex.The main deity in the temple is Goddess Katyayani, a part of Navadurga.The structure of this temple gives the tint of South Indian style of architecture. The whole Temple is made of the white marble. The carvings of the Temple are very impressive. It is such a huge temple but still very clean.

The Shrine Of Lord Shiva

The Nandi Bull

Another View

Now some stairs take you up to the Shrine of Maa Katyayni. As one climbs down the steps we are greeted by the beautiful statues of Maa Durga killing the Demon Maheshasur. But this shrine is opened to public only during Navratras. I have been there in Navratras also. It is a beautiful Gold Shrine.The image of Katyayani Devi is placed in a big hall, which can also be reached from the hall of prayers.

Carved Structures from the Staircase

Another view from the stairs

Here, two forms of Goddess Durga are commemorated. One shrine is dedicated to Maha Gauri (form of Durga), which is opened for ‘darshan’ every day. Another shrine is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, whose ‘darshan’ can be availed only on ‘ashtami’ falling in every month. Otherwise, the ‘darshan’ of Goddess Katyayani can be made throughout the days of ‘Navratri’. Clicking photographs for the Murtis is not allowed.

The Shrine of Maa Katyayni. The Back door opens opens only in Navratri Days.

The Gate Keepers

One nearby room has been made as living room with tables and chairs made in silver, and another regarded as the Shayan Kaksha (Bed Room), where a bed, dressing table and table are carved in silver. This shrine opens on a large satsang or prayer hall, where religious discourses and bhajans, (religious songs) are held.

The Central Prayer Hall

The Shrine Of Hanuman Ji

After remaining there for an hour we went to the Nageshwar Temple which is another complex just at the opposite side of the road. This complex is also very beautiful. The entry is marked by a huge Trishul. After this one enters into the Shiv Gauri Nageshwar Mandir where there is the Samadhi of Guruji.

The Big Trishul

Welcoming

Another Complex In the Temple

Shiv Gauri Nageshwar Temple

As usual photography is prohibited inside the temple complex. In the temple complex also there is a huge door with a very large lock. I have never seen such a big lock. There is also a big Shankh and a big Bell. Moving to the other side of the complex There is a huge murti or Idol of Hanuman Ji.

View from the Temple

The Big Door and the lock

The Big Bell

The Idol Of Hanuman Ji

A Closer Look

As we had only couple of hours in Hand we could only visit two complexes. Also it was a day of scorching heat with 42 degrees. So just these two complexes. Still many are left. Although we visit the Temple every month but the temple is so big that still we have not seen it completely. Many complexes are still left. Earlier it was the biggest temple in India but after the construction of Akshardham Temple in 2005, it became the second largest temple.

Another Complex in the Same Temple

Thanks for reading.

About Sahil Sethi

Sahil Sethi has written 43 posts at Ghumakkar.

I am from Delhi ,A Traveller by heart and a Software Engineer studying for MBA . Like to do long Road trips. Travelling and Driving is my passion. Also do a little photography. Besides it , listening to music in free time is my hobby. Whenever I go to a new place, I like to gather all the information of that place and then click pictures, as many as possible.I am really addicted to hill stations.
Life is short, live the way u like and for me " The only Way is the Highway".

Sahil,
Very beautiful temple, and the way you have presented it multiplied the beauty of the temple. Never heard about this temple, though staying pretty far away from Delhi I wish to see this temple once.
As you have mentioned this temple is the india’s second largest temple complex, which is the first one? Please let us know.

I didn’t know that its 2nd biggest. Been to Akshardham couple of times but never been to Chhatarpur. As always, great clear bright pics :-) Sahil Bhai.

@ All – In one of the previous posts, there was a talk on addressing Sahil as ‘Sahil Bhai’. I am forgetting what we decided for the car, something like ‘Queen’ or ‘Maruti Queen’ or so. Lets try to socialize this name :-)

Sahil Sethi

I am from Delhi ,A Traveller by heart and a Software Engineer studying for MBA . Like to do long Road trips. Travelling and Driving is my passion. Also do a little photography. Besides it , listening to music in free time is my hobby. Whenever I go to a new place, I like to gather all the information of that place and then click pictures, as many as possible.I am really addicted to hill stations.
Life is short, live the way u like and for me " The only Way is the Highway". Read Full